Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, paid a visit to the historic Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi as they began their four-day State visit to Kenya.
King Charles III, who was accompanied by President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior after a formal welcome at State House.
Uhuru Gardens is notable in Kenya's history as it was the site where Kenya declared independence in 1963.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla visit State House
Earlier, the Royal couple visited State House Nairobi where they were accorded a 21-gun salute.
The King also inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) before heading to Uhuru Gardens.
This is the first official visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to an African nation and the first to a Commonwealth member state since their coronation in May 2023.
President Ruto invited the Royal couple for the visit, which comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence from Britain later in December.
While confirming the visit on October 11, Buckingham Palace said the State visit is aimed at celebrating the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge.
During the visit, the King and Queen are also scheduled to meet other members of the Kenyan Government, United Nations (UN) staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines.
They will also tour several places in Nairobi, Mombasa and surrounding areas.
The Royal couple is scheduled to visit a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, joining British and Kenyan military personnel in an act of Remembrance, before hearing about the Commission’s recent work to ensure all those who supported Britain’s efforts in both World Wars are commemorated.
The King and Queen will visit Nairobi National Park to witness the vital conservation work being undertaken by the Kenya Wildlife Service, which is integral to Kenya’s tourism industry.
"The Queen will meet survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, learning how they are supported and sharing her own insights from working in this area," Buckingham Palace said.
King Charles will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate the late Professor Wangari Maathai.
In Mombasa, King Charles will also visit Mtongwe Naval Base to witness Kenyan Marines, trained by the Royal Marines, demonstrating a covert beach landing, showing defense collaboration in action.
The British royal will also meet faith leaders from diverse communities to hear how they are working together to promote harmony amongst the coastal city’s population.
